For this post, I got to bring in a wonderful image consultant, LeAnn of Conway Image Consulting, to give us some expert advice! She has some great tips while planning your outfits for photos, so I’ll dive right in and let her share her expertise on choosing outfits for your brand photos:

Q: I usually work in workout clothes or casual clothes, so how much should I dress up for professional brand photos?

A: What you wear sends a message to your audience and potential client and it also communicates a lot about your personality and professionalism. So what you wear depends on your career or field:

• If your business is in health/fitness field, most definitely you should wear your favorite/on brand workout clothes. A nice mix of workout clothes and casual attire will create the perfect balance for your brand photos.
• For other careers: I never suggest clients be something or dress like someone that is not 100% them. For example, if you don’t wear blazers – do not wear them in your brand photos. With that being said, I recommend that you still look polished and presentable. 

Here’s an exercise for you. What three words describe your business/brand? What three words describe your personal style? Now look at the outfits you want to wear for your brand photos – are they in alignment with your words? If not, go back to your closet and start over.  

Q: What are a few of your best tips for choosing clothing for a session, when it comes to fit/shape?

A: Always wear what makes you feel comfortable.  Now I’m not saying sweatpants or leggings, but I am saying something that makes you feel _______ (fill in the blank). The more comfortable you are in your clothes the less you will think about them during your photoshoot.  

You’re going to feel and look more confident in your photos when you:

• Wear clothes that fit you well and that work for your body and shape.
• Avoid anything too loose or too tight.
• If you want to draw the eye up, wear complementary color near your face, details on your top, a necklace, etc.  

Last important tip: The first layer is critical to not mess up – your undergarments. Make sure you are wearing nude vs. white.

Q: Same as above, except for re: shoes!

A: Wear comfortable shoes, otherwise, it’s going to show on your face. Shoes can elevate your look, and still keep the focus on you. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, a nude heel to match your skintone will create the illusion of longer legs (if this is something you want to achieve).  

Q: Do you recommend wearing certain colors or patterns?

A: When it comes to color I always recommend the colors that you wear near your face (top, jacket, dress) compliment your coloring (skin, hair, eyes). Black is a widely loved color, except it is very harsh for many. If you’re wearing a suit, navy or charcoal are still very professional and typically a better choice. 

“DO”s

• Wearing your brand colors or a color close (doesn’t have to exactly match) is a great idea. If it’s not one of your best colors – think about wearing it in an accessory or you could always have that color present in your props. 
• Prints and patterns look great against a blank/solid colored background, so consider the outfit with your background.
• Solid colors are definitely more timeless, but more than likely you will be getting your brand photos updated every 1-2 years to keep everything fresh anyway.

“DON’T”s

• Avoid any distracting patterns. Think about your background/where you will be wearing the outfit. You don’t want your print/pattern to clash with the background.
• Avoid neon colors, tight/busy patterns, extreme logos (unless of course it’s a shirt with your logo). 

Q: I live in a place with several seasons, should I vary my outfit to include some outfits for each season?

A: I’d recommend sticking to the season you are in, or adding some elements to your outfit that work for the next season. For example, if you’re wearing a dress add a blazer or jacket in a few of the shots.  

Q: How can working with an image consultant help me with prepping for my photo session? Do you offer online consulting if I’m not local?

A: An Image Consultant (I) can help you by nailing down what you like (personal style / brand esthetic), what you want to convey in your images based on where they are being used, colors that work well near your face, and head-to-to outfit combinations that can be worn for your photo shoot and beyond. Basically, making you feel confident and taking the stress out of what-to-wear for your brand photo shoot. You’ll receive a personalized online lookbook that can be added to your phone (as an app), with your outfit photos. This way you have one spot to view all the looks for your photo shoot. 

I offer online consulting as well! We use Zoom for these sessions.  

Q: What services you provide to clients, beyond styling for photo sessions?

A: Beyond, styling for a photo session, I help clients feel confident and put together from work, to the weekend, and beyond! I do this through three different package offerings, based on my clients needs. The services offered in the packages include, Wardrobe Audit, Personal Shopping, Shop Your Closet (outfit styling), and Color Analysis.  

Q: Any tips on accessories or jewelry?

A: Jewelry can pull an outfit together and give you a polished/put-together look. Pick one piece of jewelry as the focal point. For example, if you want to wear a statement necklace, make sure your earrings are smaller.

A scarf is an excellent way to add some color, texture, and interest to an overall neutral outfit. It’s also a great way to wear your brand color(s), too. Make sure the scale of the scarf doesn’t overwhelm you or add volume. And, practice in the mirror how you will wear the scarf the day of your photo shoot, so you aren’t fussing with it.

Thanks so much to LeAnn for sharing her expert advice on outfits for this post! You can check her out on her website (linked here) and she’s also active on Instagram (@conwayimageconsulting)!